Math Problem Statement

How to find the fourth term of (y- 3x)^6?

Solution

To find the fourth term of (y3x)6(y - 3x)^6, we can use the Binomial Theorem. The theorem states that:

(a+b)n=k=0n(nk)ankbk(a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k

Here, a=ya = y, b=3xb = -3x, and n=6n = 6. The general term (or the (k+1)(k+1)-th term) of the expansion is given by:

Tk+1=(nk)ankbkT_{k+1} = \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k

Step 1: Identify the fourth term

For the fourth term, we need k=3k = 3 (since the first term corresponds to k=0k = 0). Thus, the fourth term is given by:

T4=(63)y63(3x)3T_4 = \binom{6}{3} y^{6-3} (-3x)^3

Step 2: Calculate each part

  1. Calculate the binomial coefficient:

    (63)=6×5×43×2×1=20\binom{6}{3} = \frac{6 \times 5 \times 4}{3 \times 2 \times 1} = 20

  2. Calculate y63y^{6-3}:

    y63=y3y^{6-3} = y^3

  3. Calculate (3x)3(-3x)^3:

    (3x)3=27x3(-3x)^3 = -27x^3

Step 3: Multiply everything together

T4=20y3(27x3)=540y3x3T_4 = 20 \cdot y^3 \cdot (-27x^3) = -540 y^3 x^3

Final Answer

The fourth term of (y3x)6(y - 3x)^6 is:

540y3x3\boxed{-540 y^3 x^3}

Would you like further details on any step, or have any other questions?


  1. What is the general term formula for a binomial expansion?
  2. How to find the coefficient of a specific term in a binomial expression?
  3. How does changing the sign inside the binomial affect the terms?
  4. What would happen if we expand (3xy)6(3x - y)^6 instead?
  5. How does the exponent impact the complexity of the expansion?

Tip: The power and coefficients in binomial expansions can be quickly identified by understanding patterns in Pascal's triangle.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Expansion
Algebra

Formulas

General term in binomial expansion: T_{k+1} = C(n, k) * a^(n-k) * b^k

Theorems

Binomial Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12